Just wondering

[Wounderful]

Could someone please explain to me why a Don would not recognise a good nurse, not even acknowledge that this person exists. I have been at my facility for several years now, I have never ditched my responsibilities when I have made mistakes, never blamed anyone else or denied when a mistake happens. I have always gotten along with co-workers, will help out Cna's when needed, always teach when I can. Go in early to help, stay late to finish, when needed. I have residents who have written letters of compliment (also families) never to have been told about this by my Don. Recently, I have in the past, helped with some students from our local college, the instructor called to compliment about me, never heard a word about it till I saw the instructor. I have never even had an evaluation done. I like and respect my Don, I find the cross she carries a very large and demanding one, but we are still people, and a little recognition of some sort really does go a long way. Any advise?

Thank you.

[bluegeegoo2, LPN]

My humble opinion is that if they let you know what a good job you're doing as stated by residents and family, you'll want a raise...or 2 or 3. I've had a couple families tell me they praised my care for their loved one at the care conference, but have never heard a word about it, and never will. Anything to protect the bottom line. It's pathetic I know, but I sleep well at night knowing I give the best care I possibly can. Keep up the good work! The residents deserve it.

[suanna]

For some administrators passing out KUDOS Just isn't something that crosses thier minds. They see thier job as administrative management and corporate decision making- they aren't people persons. That may be why they left the bedside for the office. If positive feedback is something you need from your job look for other employment- it isn't in your DONs nature. Better yet, you are the best person to give yourself positive feedback. Praise from superiors and patients is fine but personaly I am most concerned about what I think of my care. If it helps, from what I read in your posts, you seem to be doing a fine job- one I don't think I could do. But then again what do I know!?

[noc4senuf]

I am sorry that you are in a situation where you are not told you are doing a good job. I frequently get notes or voice mails left for me on how certain staff have brightened a resident or family memeber's day. Those compliments are far and few between in these times. When I do receive these praises, I make sure to let the employee know and put the note in their personnel file.

I admit that even though I greatly appreciate my staff, I do get busy and don't tell them as many times as I should on how valuable they are and an asset to our facility. I know it isn't what you want but, carry your self tall and proud and know that you are doing your best to improve the lives of others.

[Wounderful]

Thank you to those who replied, I would like to say that I am not looking for high praises from my Don, just trying to understand the ways.(if that makes sense) Where I work, it seems that (just my opionion here) when you think you are doing a great job, go home feeling that you have done your best, you are reprimanded for not doing enough. If you handle situations, with all involved, happy with the outcome, you are reprimanded for not handleing the situation correctly. Where I am, if another co worker blatently lies about you to get ahead, you are tried, convicted and hanged, before you're ever asked what happened. Here, some nurses can do no wrong, such as, circleing another nurses (and shifts) meds in the Mar, because they knew it was not given, when infact they were mistaken. I know what you might be thinking at this point, that if it is so bad then leave, well you are right, and it is my choice to stay. I stay because I love my job, my pts, the closeness of home to work, and believe it or not, with each situation I observe, I learn. Not only do I learn what not to do, I also learn how I do not want to be. And when all is said and done at the end of my shift, I truely do sleep well at night, knowing that for at least eight hours that day, the pts. had been given 200% and above. So, I go back into work, with my positive attitude, my big smiles and hugs, my internal batteries fully charged, ready to face what may come at me that day, eagerly anticipate what new thing I may learn, and do it all over again. Perhaps, of all those who read the post, but did not reply, somewhere deep down inside, recognise a little of themselves. Perhaps maybe a few might just stop once in a while and say "Thank you." simple words, but what an impact they have.

[bluegeegoo2, LPN]

Hey, we'd ALL like a smiley-face sticker now and then!

[achot chavi]

Its a bit unusual not to receive an evaluation at least once or twice a year. I would bring it up gently with a member of the supervisory staff. For example, "I always try my hardest to be an asset to this facility and do my best work, it would help if I received some feedback as well as an evaluation, it might help me to pinpoint where I could improve my performance here.".,.. It might just be an oversight. By the way- if a family member compliments my staff, I mention how nice it would be to get that positive feedback in writing. ( We then frame these letters and it is a real moral booster to the staff.)

[Hopeslayer]

I always tell myself, "Self, you get thanked every Friday."

[Wounderful]

I agree with "self," I too am "Thanked" on payday, it's just that two simple words would be very nice to hear. I always make a point to say it to my aides at the end of our shift, also I point out to them the things they have done, that are really special. I can't change the world, just myself, So I pass on to them some words of kindness, at least they leave work with a smile. The old saying "the buck stops here" for me it's "the buck starts here".

[achot chavi]

you sound like those russian nurses aids that I met whose motto is "Its not BM, ...its money". I need a good word every now and again- in addition to my salary, even if its just me telling my staff that I enjoyed working with them that day and the saying it back. Every few months my DON and I go out for coffee or breakfast with our head nurses and its appreciated. Every so often we bring some well- deserved baked treat or ice cream to a staff meeting and pat each other on the back. It feels good!!

[Wounderful]

I am sorry if my reply sounded as if I am only there for a pay check, that was not my intention at all. The pay check is nice, but not the only reason I am there. I truely love my job. I feel that if my superiors cannot say "Thank you" for jobs well done, then I most deffinetly will say it to thos I work beside, because I am greatfull. Negative actions do not have to roll down hill. JMO

[ktwlpn, LPN]

There was a time when doing the job well was EXPECTED-not considered a bonus one gives their employer...I don't "thank my cna's" because #1-they are not "mine" -I find that a little demeaning #2 They get paid for their job as I do...I DO commend them anytime they go above and beyond and show initiative in handling a difficult situation..Ditto for the nursing staff I am working with-if they have been pulled to my unit or are agency I really go out of my way to make the day go as smoothly for them (and the residents) as I can.That's how I show my appreciation.As for the powers that be-I'll stay under the radar-that's great.The residents and their families show their appreciation and even if they don't always do so I know that at the end of the day I have delivered the best care I could to all of the residents in my care-regardless of who they are.I'm content with that-but it has taken a few years to reach that point. You can have an exemplary attendance record and pull down beaucoups of overtime but the one Saturday you call off you end up in the office..That's just the way it is...